Susan Bee and Bill Jacobson Explore Romanticism in New York Gallery Shows
In New York City, two exhibitions delve into Romantic themes. "Pow! New Paintings" by Susan Bee is showcased at A.I.R. Gallery from March 16 to April 16, 2017, drawing inspiration from Romantic icons such as Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch. Her pieces, including Melancholy (2016) and Blooms Day (2016), feature expressive brushwork and vivid hues to portray intimate relationships. Meanwhile, Bill Jacobson's "figure, ground" is on display at Julie Saul Gallery from March 16 to May 26, 2017, presenting photographs of figures with their backs to the viewer, echoing Friedrich’s style. Jacobson’s Lines in My Eyes series emphasizes body parts to express inner thoughts. Both artists reflect on individuality and emotional experiences, challenging the relevance of Romanticism today.
Key facts
- Susan Bee's exhibition "Pow! New Paintings" runs from March 16 to April 16, 2017, at A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn.
- Bill Jacobson's exhibition "figure, ground" runs from March 16 to May 26, 2017, at Julie Saul Gallery in New York.
- Bee's paintings reference Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch, using expressionistic paint handling and high-intensity color.
- Jacobson's photographs feature figures with backs turned, with shallow depth of field blurring natural settings.
- A book accompanies Jacobson's exhibition with texts by Bill Arning, Robert Glück, and Barbara Stehle.
- Another Jacobson publication, 945 Madison Avenue, is due later in spring 2017.
- Both artists explore Romantic themes of individualism and emotional states in contemporary contexts.
- The exhibitions question Romanticism's place amid environmental threats and shifting ideologies.
Entities
Artists
- Susan Bee
- Bill Jacobson
- Caspar David Friedrich
- Edvard Munch
- Thomas Fearnly
- John Constable
- Bill Arning
- Robert Glück
- Barbara Stehle
Institutions
- A.I.R. Gallery
- Julie Saul Gallery
- Whitney Museum
Locations
- New York
- Brooklyn
- United States